A traveler’s guide to immigration, customs, baggage claim, shuttles, and what to avoid.

If you’re flying into the Riviera Maya, your journey begins at Cancun International Airport (CUN)—one of the busiest airports in Latin America. Whether it’s your first time or your 20th, arriving can feel chaotic with the crowds, vendors, and endless signs.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do from the moment you step off the plane until you exit the airport, including immigration, customs, baggage claim, transportation, and common scams to avoid.

1. Arrival: Getting Off the Plane

Once you land, you’ll exit the plane into one of Cancun’s modern terminals (most international flights land in Terminal 3 or Terminal 4).

Follow the “Migración / Immigration” signs. There’s usually a 10–40 minute walk, and lines can be long, especially mid-day.

2. Immigration (Migración)

What You Need:

Passport
Immigration form (most travelers no longer need a paper form; everything is digital)
Proof of hotel or address (sometimes requested)
Return/onward ticket (rarely asked but good to have)

What Happens at Immigration:

An officer will ask your purpose of travel
You’ll be granted a stay (typically 180 days for most tourists but can be shorter)
Your passport will be stamped with your entry date

Important: Keep a photo of your passport stamp. You will need the date for departure and immigration verification.

3. Baggage Claim

After immigration, continue to “Baggage Claim / Reclamo de Equipaje.”
There are multiple carousels—screens will display your flight number.

Tips:

Grab a free luggage cart if needed
Use this time to switch your phone to airplane mode off, or connect to the airport Wi-Fi
Keep valuables secured—pickpockets are rare but possible in crowded areas

4. Customs (Aduana) & the Red/Green Light Button

Once you have your bags, you’ll proceed to Customs (Aduana).

What to Expect:

You’ll pass your bags through an x-ray machine.
You’ll be directed to a small podium with a red/green light button.

This is Mexico’s random inspection system.

Green light: You walk straight through—no inspection.
Red light: Customs will inspect your luggage.

It’s quick and officers are polite; this is totally normal.

5. Entering the “Shark Tank”: Timeshare Gauntlet

After customs, you’ll walk into a large hallway known informally as the “shark tank.”

This area is FULL of:

Timeshare promoters
Transportation salespeople
Excursion companies
“Information booth” workers not affiliated with the airport

Rules to Stay Safe:

Do not stop here.
Do not give your name or hotel information.
Do not let anyone “confirm your reservation.”
Keep walking straight to the exit doors.

Your legitimate shuttle or driver is NOT in this room.

6. Exiting the Terminal

Walk straight through the gauntlet and exit through the automatic sliding doors.

Once you’re outside, you are in the real transportation zone, and everything becomes much calmer.

7. Where Your Shuttle or Driver Will Be

After you exit, look for signs for the following:

Pre-Booked Shuttles

Your shuttle company will be outside, holding a sign with your name or company logo.
Popular areas:
- Terminal 3: Across the sidewalk in the designated shuttle lanes
- Terminal 4: Straight out the doors, left side pickup lanes

Tip: You can always spot uniformed shuttle agents. They do not approach you aggressively.

If you booked a condo or villa through us (Nasplaya), our concierge can help you book your shuttle. Please email them at bookings@nasplaya.com.

Taxis

Authorized airport taxis are available but are very expensive.
Always confirm the price before entering.
It’s usually cheaper to pre-book a shuttle.

Rental Cars

Courtesy vans pick you up outside the terminal.
You’ll be taken to off-site rental lots.
Pre-book your reservation; walk-up rates are high.
You can read our car rental recommendations here: https://nasplaya.com/best-car-rental-agencies-in-playa-del-carmen/

ADO Bus to Playa del Carmen

Safe, clean, and comfortable
Look for “ADO” signs outside your terminal
Tickets: 230–280 MXN to Playa del Carmen
Buses run every 30–45 minutes
ADO website: https://international.ado.com.mx/?locale=en-US

8. What to Avoid at Cancun Airport

❌ Timeshare salespeople

They will promise free taxi rides, tours, or hotel upgrades. Ignore them.

❌ Anyone inside the terminal offering transportation

The real shuttles are outside only.

❌ Unauthorized taxis

Random drivers may approach you. Politely say “No, gracias.”

❌ Paying in USD

You’ll get a bad exchange rate. Use pesos or prepay.

❌ Showing your hotel reservation

Never share your details with anyone unless they clearly represent your actual shuttle company.

9. Insider Tips for a Smooth Arrival

Take a photo of your passport stamp immediately.
Bring a pen if your airline still uses paper immigration forms.
Pre-book a private shuttle to Playa for stress-free arrival.
Download WhatsApp—many shuttle companies communicate through it.
Keep snacks and water handy; lines can be long during high season.
If staying in Playa del Carmen, expect a 45–60 minute ride from the airport.

Final Thoughts

Cancun Airport can feel overwhelming on your first visit, but once you know the process—immigration, baggage claim, customs, the “shark tank,” and where shuttles wait—it’s incredibly easy to navigate.

With the right expectations and a few insider tips, you’ll get from your plane seat to the beaches of Playa del Carmen smoothly and stress-free.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.

From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.

Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.

North American Standards (NAS Playa)
Property Management • Rentals • Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
🌐 www.nasplaya.com 🔑 Rentals: rentals@nasplaya.com
📊 Ventas: buy@nasplaya.com 🏘 Property Management: bookings@nasplaya.com

How to Navigate Cancun Airport Step-by-Step (Arrival to Exit)